Top 5 Cliff Path Viewpoints - Ilala Lodge
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Top 5 Cliff Path Viewpoints

By Ilala Lodge Hotel on October 17, 2024

On the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, we’re fortunate to boast 16 of the 19 Cliff Path Viewpoints. Below we’ll explore a few of our favourites – idyllic no matter the season.

Our Proximity To The Falls

Guests of Ilala Lodge Hotel are delighted to learn just how close we are to Victoria Falls National Park – a 5-minute amble from our gate to the entrance. (Or a 30-second sprint, depending on how eager you are!)

The beauty of our proximity to the Falls means that, on quiet nights, you can hear the rumble of the Smoke That Thunders from your bed and imagine the might with which the Zambezi River tumbles over the gorge’s edge and crashes into the ravine below, both shaping and being led by the landscape’s course until it eventually empties out in the Indian Ocean on Mozambique’s coast.

We’re incredibly proud to border one of the World’s Natural Wonders, and encourage all guests to put aside at least the better part of a day to stroll along Victoria Falls’ Cliff Path.

While every viewpoint offers something to marvel at, we’ve decided to compile a list of the 5 that we think are worth a little extra time.

The link to the map we’re referring to can be found here. Feel free to download it in preparation for your visit!

The David Livingstone Statue

Viewpoint 1

After you enter Victoria Falls National Park and pass the information center, curio shops and The Rainforest Café (to be circled back to after your explorations for a refreshing cold drink and something to eat) you will follow a paved walkway toward the Falls and the start of the Cliff Path.

Before approaching the gorge’s edge you will see a statue of David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer who first laid eyes on the Falls on 16 November 1855 and is credited with introducing it to the Western World.

The statue faces east toward the Main Falls, and we encourage you to read the various placards about Livingstone to gain some insight into those times.

While Zimbabwe’s history with colonialism is checkered and complicated, Livingstone remains an important figure in our history. There is no mention of this waterfall – named after England’s Queen Empress at the time – without some reference to his prolific exploits.

The Chain Walk

Viewpoint 2

The very next viewpoint after the statue of David Livingstone is called The Chain Walk, a steep flight of 73 stairs that will take you below the clifftop and have you feeling like you’re descending into a roaring chasm of thunderous water.

You should descend these stairs very carefully and it’s not recommended for those whose knees are not nimble, but, once at the bottom, you will be treated to a magnificent view of the beginning of the gorge.

Visibility will vary depending on the river’s water levels, but you’ll either be able to see down the gorge towards the Main Falls (when levels are low) and enjoy the gorge’s impressive structure, or be swallowed in a misty shroud that is equally exciting to experience.

Main Falls

Viewpoint 8

Viewpoint 8 offers the most ‘head on’ view of the Main Falls – 150 metres wide and 93 metres deep where the water plunges into the gorge. The viewpoint itself is a small area and is surrounded by trees, making you feel as though you’ve emerged from the forest into a different world.

Adding to this feeling, the Main Falls usually produces rainbows in the afternoon, when the sun reflects off of the water droplets from the spray at just the right angle to create a dazzle of colours.

Here’s a fun fact for you: There is a portion of Victoria Falls National Park’s rainforest (which you’ll walk through when following the Cliff Path) that receives ‘rain’ 24 hours a day, 365 days a year thanks to the waterfall’s spray. It’s said that this is one of the only places in the world where this is the case.

Victoria Falls Slider Main Falls

Livingstone Island

Viewpoint 12 (Spray Ahoy!)

Speaking of water spray, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll walk the length of Victoria Falls National Park’s Cliff Path and not get wet.

We encourage you not to shrink away from this prospect, but to enjoy it! Aside from protecting your electricals, if you visit during summer, you might even like to forego the rain poncho and delight in getting drenched by the water.

One of the best places to do this is Viewpoint 12 – a notoriously spray-heavy spot that also offers you a wonderful view of David Livingstone Island and Horse Shoe Falls. (When visibility allows.)

Victoria Falls Bridge

Viewpoint 16

From the final viewpoint on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls you can see Victoria Falls Bridge, completed in 1905 and built as part of the Cape to Cairo Railway.

At 111m above (low) water level and spanning 198m in length, it literally “bridges” the gap between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The bridge is a true marvel of engineering, especially when you consider that its parts weren’t even constructed on-site. Its components were made in England, shipped to Mozambique and then transported to Victoria Falls by rail.

Today, at this viewpoint, you can see bungee jumpers, gorge swingers and bridge sliders taking a brave leap from the bridge’s heights. Who knows? Maybe it will inspire you to get your own adrenaline pumping!

MAP LINK

Stay With Us

Ilala Lodge Hotel offers an unbeatable gateway to Victoria Falls. Embrace the adventure, explore the breathtaking viewpoints, and create unforgettable memories at one of nature’s greatest wonders!

Browse our accommodation options online before getting in touch with our friendly reservations team at onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com to secure your booking.

Alternatively, our online booking platform enables you to secure our own dates in one seamless, user-friendly location.

We look forward to welcoming you to Victoria Falls!

Sources: www.wildzambezi.com, www.exploretravelafrica.com

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